SMU (13-13, 3-8) knocked down 56.3 percent (27 of 48) from the field, though it was just 2 of 6 from 3-point range. Every starter scored in double figures, led by Shawn Williams with 16 points. Nick Russell added 13, Jalen Jones and Ryan Manuel 12 and Cannen Cunningham 10.

The Mustangs pulled within 65-62 on Jones' layup with 3:29 left, but Tarrant responded with consecutive 3-pointers and Ben Cherry later added another in building the final cushion.